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Social Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DCG

Social Scientist

Baltimore, MD · Remote

Position Overview DCG is seeking a Social Scientist to support consumer and regulatory research programs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position will contribute to the design ...

DCG

Social Scientist

Washington, DC · Remote

Position Overview DCG is seeking a Social Scientist to support consumer and regulatory research programs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This position will contribute to the design ...

Parsons

Senior Social Scientist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

Parsons

Senior Social Scientist

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

Parsons

$88K - $154K/yr

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

Parsons

Senior Social Scientist

Miami, FL

$88K - $154K/yr

In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural ...

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Social Scientist information

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$36.5K

$91.9K

$116.5K

How much do social scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for social scientist in the United States is $91,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers are in social science?

Careers in social science include roles such as sociologist, anthropologist, economist, political scientist, and social researcher. These positions often require strong analytical skills, research methods, and knowledge of human behavior, and may involve working in academia, government, or private organizations.

What does a social scientist do?

A social scientist studies human behavior, societies, and social interactions using research methods such as surveys, interviews, and data analysis. They analyze social issues, develop theories, and provide insights to inform policies or improve community well-being, often working in academic, government, or research settings.

What Is a Social Scientist?

A social scientist performs research on the link between society and human behavior, sometimes for a university. They often specialize in a field such as geology, economics, anthropology, sociology, or history. Job duties include planning, designing, and compiling complex research projects. They also participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection, conduct field studies, and perform statistical analysis. An important part of being a social scientist is interpreting research and understanding its applications.

How do social scientists typically collaborate with professionals from other disciplines in their projects?

Social scientists often work alongside experts from fields such as public health, economics, urban planning, and education to address complex societal issues. This interdisciplinary collaboration usually involves joint research design, data sharing, and regular meetings to integrate diverse perspectives. Successful teamwork requires strong communication skills and adaptability, as social scientists must translate their findings into actionable recommendations for non-specialist stakeholders. These collaborations not only enhance the impact of research but also open doors for professional growth and networking.

Do social scientists make good money?

Social scientists' salaries vary depending on their specialization, experience, and work setting, but they generally earn a median annual wage around the national average for social science roles. Advanced degrees and research skills can lead to higher compensation, especially in government, academia, or private consulting. Overall, social scientists can have a stable income, but earnings tend to be moderate compared to some other professions.

What is the highest paying job in social science?

The highest paying roles in social science often include senior positions such as research directors, policy analysts, or consultants in private sectors, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in data analysis, policy development, or consulting typically contribute to higher compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Scientist, you need a solid background in social science theory, research methods, and data analysis, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Stata) and qualitative analysis tools is commonly required. Strong critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for interpreting data and sharing findings with diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing meaningful research that informs policy, advances knowledge, and addresses complex societal issues.

What is the difference between Social Scientist vs Sociologist?

AspectSocial ScientistSociologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in social sciences; often research experienceBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in sociology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, NGOsUniversities, research centers, policy organizations
Industry UsageBroader social sciences including anthropology, economicsSpecialized in sociology
Common Search IntentComparing roles, career paths, job dutiesUnderstanding sociology as a discipline, career options

While both Social Scientists and Sociologists study human behavior and society, Social Scientists have a broader focus across various social sciences, whereas Sociologists specialize specifically in sociology. Social Scientists often work in diverse settings like research institutions and government agencies, while Sociologists are commonly found in academic or policy roles. The choice depends on your specific interest in sociology versus broader social science research.

What are social scientists?

Social scientists are professionals who study human society and social relationships. They use various research methods to investigate how people interact, how societies function, and how social institutions influence behavior. Social scientists may specialize in fields like sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics, or political science, and their work helps inform public policy, education, and many other areas of society. Their research often involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis to understand complex social issues.
More about Social Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Social Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Social Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Social Scientist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Social Scientist jobs? The top employers for Social Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Social Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Social Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Social Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Social Scientist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Social Scientist jobs? For Social Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Social Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,924 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Social Scientist

Department of Human Services

Silver Spring, MD

$143K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Tobacco Products, Office of Health Communication and Education, Division of Research and Evaluation which is located in Silver Spring, Maryland.Qualifications:The position of Social Scientist falls within the 0101 occupational series. To qualify for this position at grade GS-14, you must meet Time-in-Grade requirements by 11:59 pm EST on 07/24/2026.
BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Degree: Behavioral or Social Science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

-OR-

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
-AND-

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-14:
You must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal Service, which includes planning and leading a behavioral or social science research program to perform tobacco product or other regulated product policy development; providing strategic planning to an organization on social science theories and methodology affecting public health; and analyzing and integrating scientific evidence to inform regulatory science decision-makers of an organization.
Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. The specialized experience must demonstrate one year of full-time work experience , or the equivalent if part-time (for example, an employee working 20 hours per week for a 12-month period should be credited with 6 months of experience.) Experience may have been obtained in either the federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or nongovernmental organizations.
In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the percentage of times the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.
PHS Commissioned Corps Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps may apply online to this announcement. Candidates will be referred to (CC) personnel and not as candidates for conversion to a permanent career or career-conditional appointment.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account,https://secure.login.gov/ select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must submit supporting documentation to verify your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.
For internal applicants an SF-50 will be required. If Educational requirements are listed, you must submit a Transcript, even if you occupy the series/grade in question. See the Required Documents section for full details.Education:TRANSCRIPTS:
Positions which are scientific or technical in nature often have very specific educational requirements. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities, see the Foreign Education section below for additional requirements.
Pay careful attention to the Qualifications and Education sections to identify vacancies where a transcript is required. Even if you hold a similar position or are a current employee, you are not exempt from transcript requirements.
Electronic Transcript Caution: If you have obtained your transcripts electronically, the file might contain security measures that could prevent our application system from reading the file. Therefore, you should consider asking the institution to provide the file in a non-secured electronic format. Alternatively, you could scan or take a photo of the printed copy of the transcript. If your uploaded transcript cannot be read by our system, you may receive consideration and credit for the information we can access.
FOREIGN EDUCATION
Applicants using part, or all of their education completed outside of the U.S. to meet the qualification requirements, must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. We will only accept the completed foreign credential evaluation.
To be acceptable, the foreign credential evaluation must include/describe at a minimum, the following information: (1) The type of education received by the applicant; (2) The level of education in relation to the U.S. education system, and state that its comparability recommendations follow the general guidelines of the International Evaluation Standards Council; (3) The content of the applicant's educational program earned abroad, and the standard obtained; (4) The status of the awarding foreign school's recognition and legitimacy in its home country's education system; and (5) Any other information of interest such as what the evaluation service did to obtain this information, the qualifications of the evaluator, and any indications as to other problems such as forgery. Note: Some positions require the completion of specific courses or a specified number of credit hours. Therefore, the foreign credential evaluation should provide information similar to that of an official transcript, to include a list of the courses taken, quarter and/or semester hours awarded, the cumulative grade point average (GPA), honors received, if any, date degree awarded.
Applicants can request an evaluation from a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services listed below:
  1. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  2. Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE)
Credential evaluations are not free, and applicants are responsible for the cost of the selected service.
For more information about this requirement, please visit the https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/Employment Type: OTHER

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